JP7377336B2 - Control method, program, and user terminal - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a control method, a program, and a user terminal.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that combines smoking and a virtual space. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses that when a user wearing a head-mounted unit smokes using a flavor suction device, a three-dimensional object of smoke accompanying smoking a cigarette is displayed on the head-mounted unit. This is a technology that provides the user with a simulated cigarette smoking experience by displaying a cigarette.

International Publication No. 2017/121979

By the way, in recent years, due to a decrease in the number of places where smoking is allowed, users of flavor suction devices are sometimes forced to use limited environments. Therefore, users are looking for an experience that feels like using the flavor suction device together with others. Patent Document 1 allows a simulated smoking experience using a flavor suction device, but in order to provide a smoking experience that feels like smoking with other smokers, it is necessary to use a head-mounted unit camera. Other smokers must be present within the imaging range.
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication support method and program that can provide the user with the experience of using a flavor suction device with others, regardless of the environment in which the user uses the flavor suction device. and provide communication servers.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a user terminal associated with a flavor suction tool includes a sending step of transmitting usage information of the flavor suction tool; and a transmission step of transmitting usage information of the flavor suction tool; a receiving step of receiving display information for displaying a virtual space allocated to a user of the virtual space in which an object related to the user is arranged; and a display step of displaying the virtual space.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the program includes a sending step of transmitting usage information of the flavor suction tool to a computer of a user terminal associated with the flavor suction tool; a receiving step of receiving display information for displaying a virtual space allocated to a user of a suction tool, in which objects related to the user are arranged; and based on the received display information. displaying the virtual space.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the user terminal associated with the flavor suction device includes a transmitter that transmits usage information of the flavor suction device, and a transmitter that transmits usage information of the flavor suction device, and a user terminal that transmits usage information of the flavor suction device based on the usage information. a receiving unit that receives display information for displaying the virtual space allocated to the virtual space in which objects related to the user are arranged; A display section for displaying information is provided.

According to at least one of the above aspects, the communication support method and the like can provide various usage experiences to the user of the flavor suction tool.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a flavor suction tool concerning a 1st example. It is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of the flavor suction tool concerning the 2nd example. It is a figure showing an example of a rough appearance of a flavor suction tool. It is an example of the rough appearance of the flavor suction device in a state in which an aerosol generation base material is held. It is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the flavor suction tool according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a user terminal according to a first embodiment. FIG. It is an example of the display mode displayed on the user terminal according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a communication server according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an example of information stored in the virtual space storage unit according to the first embodiment. 4 is an example of information stored in the user information storage unit according to the first embodiment. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the communication server according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows another example of operation of the communication server concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment.

<First embodiment>
《Communication system configuration》
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication system according to the first embodiment.
The communication system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a flavor suction tool 100, a user terminal 200, and a communication server 300. The flavor suction tool 100 and the user terminal 200 communicate with each other, for example, via short-range wireless communication. Further, the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 communicate with each other, for example, via wireless communication.
The flavor suction tool 100 transmits usage information indicating that the user has used the flavor suction tool 100 to the user terminal 200, for example, via near field communication. Further, the user terminal 200 transmits the received usage information to the communication server 300 via wireless communication, for example.

When the communication server 300 receives the usage information, it allocates a virtual space to the user terminal 200 and transmits display information for displaying the virtual space to the user terminal 200 via wireless communication. The communication server 300 also transmits display information for displaying the virtual space to other user terminals 200 via wireless communication. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the virtual space based on the received display information.
Further, the user terminal 200 transmits a message to the communication server 300 via wireless communication. Furthermore, when receiving a message, the communication server 300 transmits display information for displaying the message in the virtual space to other user terminals 200 assigned to the virtual space via wireless communication. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the message in the virtual space based on the received display information (more specifically, displays communication information, which is an object indicating the message, in the virtual space). ).

According to the first embodiment, when the communication server 300 detects the use of the flavor suction tool 100, the communication server 300 places the user's avatar V1 in the virtual space V, and displays the display image etc. of the virtual space V. Displayed on the user terminal 200. In the virtual space V, avatars V1 of other users who are also using the flavor suction tool 100 are also placed. Furthermore, communication information V2 such as messages issued by each user is also displayed in the virtual space V. As a result, each user can have the experience of using the flavor suction tool together with other users, regardless of the environment in which the flavor suction tool is used.

Note that the "usage information" may be various types of usage information that can be collected by the flavor suction tool 100. The usage information is information regarding the usage of the flavor suction tool, and includes, for example, the frequency of use, the amount used, and/or the fact that it was used. Further, the usage information is not limited to these, and includes information regarding the usage status of the flavor suction tool 100. Information regarding the usage status of the flavor suction tool 100 includes, for example, the usage time of the flavor suction tool 100, the charging status and remaining capacity of the battery included in the flavor suction tool 100, the position of the flavor suction tool 100 (user), and the flavor suction tool 100. It includes information such as the fact that a predetermined capsule was attached in step 100, or the time that the flavor suction tool 100 was carried around or held. Further, the usage information may be, for example, information regarding the number of puffs, the number of times refills are exchanged, the consumption amount and remaining amount of liquid, and the like. Note that the refill is a replaceable member, and is, for example, a reservoir or a flavor source included in the flavor suction tool 100, the smoking article 140, or various atomizers. Note that the usage information can be measured by various sensors included in the flavor suction tool 100.

Further, the "virtual space" is a virtual space displayed on the user terminal 200, and is, for example, a three-dimensional or two-dimensional space imitating a smoking area or a scenic spot. Further, the virtual space V is not limited to a smoking area or a scenic spot, but may be any area or place. Furthermore, the virtual space V does not need to be a real place, and may be any kind of area or place, such as a non-existent imaginary area or place. Further, the virtual space V does not necessarily have to be a three-dimensional space, but may be a two-dimensional space. In this way, the virtual space V may be of any type as long as it can be displayed on the user terminal 200.

Further, the "message" is various information transmitted by the user terminal 200, and includes, for example, text information, audio information, video information, or image information. The message may include image information, video information, audio information, etc. corresponding to a predetermined character (including an avatar described below). Further, the message may include a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), a QR code (registered trademark), etc. related to a predetermined homepage on the Internet. Furthermore, the message may include Morse code, a predetermined encrypted signal, or the like. Further, the message may be various types of information that the user of the user terminal 200 transmits to the users of other user terminals 200. The message is not limited to these examples, and may include advertising information, malfunction information, a coupon indicating a discount on accessories of the flavor suction tool 100, and the like.

≪Operation of communication system≫
FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 2, a virtual space is allocated to the user terminal 200 when the communication server 300 receives usage information as a trigger. However, the sequence diagram illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example of the operation of the communication system 1, and the trigger for allocating a virtual space is not limited to receiving usage information. For example, the communication server 300 may allocate a virtual space to the user terminal 200 when the user terminal 200 logs into the communication system 1 as a trigger. Further, the communication server 300 may allocate a virtual space to the user terminal 200, for example, using predetermined information as a trigger instead of usage information. The predetermined information may be, for example, information indicating that the flavor inhaler 100 and/or the user terminal 200 are present in a predetermined space (for example, an actual smoking area), or information indicating that a predetermined time has arrived. information indicating that the switch of the flavor suction tool 100 has been pressed. Note that the predetermined space is, for example, an actual smoking area, a residence, or other building where the flavor suction device 100 can be used, an automobile or other vehicle where the flavor suction device 100 can be used, or a place where the flavor suction device 100 can be used. Any place where the use of the flavor suction device 100 is not prohibited, such as a store, a smoking room where the flavor suction device 100 can be used, an area or area where the flavor suction device 100 can be used, which is set up in a store, etc. It can be any place. Furthermore, the predetermined space may be specified as a point or region by latitude and longitude, or may be shown as an area on a predetermined map.

Based on detecting the user's suction action (puff) (S1001), the flavor suction tool 100 transmits usage information to the user terminal 200 via, for example, short-range wireless communication (S1002). The user terminal 200 transmits usage information to the communication server 300, for example, via wireless communication (S1003).
Based on receiving the usage information, the communication server 300 allocates a virtual space to the user terminal 200 (S1004), and transmits display information for displaying the virtual space to the user via wireless communication. It is transmitted to the terminal 200 (S1005). The user terminal 200 displays the virtual space based on the received display information (S1006).
Other user terminals 200 assigned to the same virtual space accept the message input by the user (S1007), and transmit the message to the communication server 300 via wireless communication (S1008).
When the communication server 300 receives the message (S1009), it transmits display information for displaying the message in the virtual space via wireless communication to the user terminal 200 assigned to the same virtual space. (S1010). The user terminal 200 displays the message in the virtual space based on the received display information (S1011).

The flavor suction tool 100, user terminal 200, and communication server 300 included in the communication system 1 will be described below.

《Configuration of flavor suction tool》
The flavor suction device 100 is a device for sucking flavor, and is intended for, but not limited to, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, and conventional cigarettes, for example. Further, the flavor suction device 100 includes an aerosol generation device for sucking the generated aerosol, and the aerosol generation device is intended for, for example, an electronic cigarette, a heated tobacco, or a medical nebulizer. More specifically, the aerosol generation device is, for example, a device that atomizes liquid (aerosol source) using electric power to generate aerosol. Aerosol is an atomized aerosol source, and is particles small enough to float in a gas. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator may be flavored. Examples of aerosol generating devices include heated cigarettes (T-vapor and Infused) and electronic cigarettes (E-vapor). Further, aerosol generating devices include types that directly heat tobacco (direct heating), types that heat tobacco indirectly (indirect heating), and types that heat liquid (liquid). Further, the aerosol generation device may atomize the liquid by generating SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) using a piezoelectric element substrate having a pair of comb-shaped electrodes.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the flavor suction tool according to the first example. As shown in FIG. 3, the flavor suction tool 100A according to the first example includes a first member 102 and a second member 104. As illustrated, the first member 102 may include, by way of example, a control unit 106, a communication unit 108, a battery 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114.

As an example, the second member 104 may include a reservoir 116 , an atomizer 118 , an air intake channel 120 , an aerosol channel 121 , and a mouthpiece 122 . Some of the components included within the first member 102 may be included within the second member 104. Some of the components contained within the second member 104 may be contained within the first member 102. The second member 104 may be configured to be detachable from the first member 102. Alternatively, all components contained within the first member 102 and the second member 104 may be contained within the same housing instead of the first member 102 and the second member 104.

Reservoir 116 holds the aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 116 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and holds the aerosol source as a liquid in the gaps between the fibers or in the pores of the porous material. The aforementioned fibrous or porous material may be, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw material. Reservoir 116 may be configured as a tank containing a liquid. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. If the flavor inhaler 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug for inhalation by the patient. As another example, the aerosol source may include tobacco raw materials or extracts derived from tobacco raw materials that release flavor components upon heating. Reservoir 116 may have a configuration that can replenish the spent aerosol source. Alternatively, the reservoir 116 may be configured such that it can itself be replaced when the aerosol source is consumed. Further, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. When the aerosol source is solid, the reservoir 116 may be, for example, a hollow container made of no fibrous or porous material.

The atomizer 118 is configured to atomize the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. When a suction operation is detected by the sensor 112, the atomizer 118 generates an aerosol. For example, a wick (not shown) may be provided to connect reservoir 116 and atomizer 118. In this case, a portion of the wick opens into the interior of the reservoir 116 and comes into contact with the aerosol source. Another portion of the wick extends to the atomization section 118. The aerosol source is transported from the reservoir 116 to the atomization section 118 by the capillary effect of the wick. As an example, the atomizer 118 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 110. The heater is placed in contact with or close to the wick. When a suction operation is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomization unit 118 to atomize the aerosol source carried through the wick by heating the aerosol source. Another example of the atomizer 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration. An air intake channel 120 is connected to the atomization section 118, and the air intake channel 120 communicates with the outside of the flavor suction tool 100A. The aerosol generated in the atomization section 118 is mixed with air taken in through the air intake channel 120. The mixed aerosol and air fluid is directed into the aerosol channel 121 as indicated by arrow 124 . The aerosol channel 121 has a tubular structure for transporting the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated in the atomization section 118 to the mouthpiece 122 .

The mouthpiece 122 is located at the terminal end of the aerosol channel 121 and is configured to open the aerosol channel 121 to the outside of the flavor suction tool 100A. The user sucks air containing the aerosol into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 122 in the user's mouth and sucking it.

The communication unit 108 communicates with user terminals and other computers. The communication unit 108 may be realized using at least a network interface or the like as a hardware resource.

The battery 110 supplies power to each component of the flavor suction tool 100A, such as the communication unit 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, and the atomization unit 118. The battery 110 may be rechargeable by being connected to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the flavor suction tool 100A. Only the battery 110 may be able to be removed from the first member 102 or the flavor suction tool 100A, or may be replaced with a new battery 110. Furthermore, the battery 110 may be replaced with a new battery 110 by replacing the entire first member 102 with a new first member 102.

The sensor 112 may include a pressure sensor that detects changes in the internal pressure of at least one of the air intake channel 120 and the aerosol channel 121, or a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate. Sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor that senses the weight of a component, such as reservoir 116. Sensor 112 may also be configured to count the number of puffs by the user using flavor inhaler 100A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to integrate the energization time to the atomizer 118. Sensor 112 may also be configured to sense the height of the liquid level within reservoir 116. The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the SOC (State of Charge), integrated current value, voltage, etc. of the battery 110. The current integrated value may be obtained by a current integration method, an SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 may also be an operation button that can be operated by the user.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. Control 106 may be configured to control operation of flavor inhaler 100A according to computer-executable instructions stored in memory 114. Memory 114 is a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. In addition to computer-executable instructions as described above, the memory 114 may also store setting data and the like necessary for controlling the flavor suction tool 100A. For example, the memory 114 may store various data such as a control method of the communication unit 108 (modes of light emission, vocalization, vibration, etc.), values detected by the sensor 112, heating history of the atomization unit 118, etc. . The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 and uses it to control the flavor suction tool 100A as necessary, and stores the data in the memory 114 as necessary.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flavor suction tool according to a second example. As illustrated, the flavor suction tool 100B according to the second example includes a third member 126 in addition to the configuration of the flavor suction tool 100A in FIG. Third member 126 may include a flavor source 128. As an example, when the flavor suction tool 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may include flavor components contained in tobacco. As shown, aerosol channel 121 extends across second member 104 and third member 126. The mouthpiece 122 is provided on the third member 126 .

Flavor source 128 is a component for imparting flavor to the aerosol. Flavor source 128 is placed midway through aerosol channel 121 . A mixed fluid of aerosol and air (hereinafter, the mixed fluid may be simply referred to as aerosol) generated by the atomization section 118 flows through the aerosol channel 121 to the mouthpiece 122. Thus, the flavor source 128 is located downstream of the atomization section 118 with respect to the flow of the aerosol. In other words, the flavor source 128 is located closer to the mouthpiece 122 in the aerosol flow path 121 than the atomization section 118 is. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 118 passes through the flavor source 128 before reaching the mouthpiece 122 . When the aerosol passes through the flavor source 128, flavor components contained in the flavor source 128 are imparted to the aerosol. As an example, when the flavor inhaler 100B is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source 128 may be tobacco-derived, such as chopped tobacco or a processed product formed from tobacco raw material into granules, sheets, or powder. The flavor source 128 may also be non-tobacco derived, made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, etc.). In one example, flavor source 128 includes a tobacco component. Flavor source 128 may contain flavor ingredients such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source 128, the reservoir 116 may also include substances containing flavor components. For example, the flavor inhaler 100B may be configured such that the flavor source 128 holds a tobacco-derived flavor substance and the reservoir 116 contains a non-tobacco-derived flavor substance.

The user can take in air containing flavored aerosol into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 122 in the user's mouth and sucking it.

The control unit 106 is configured to control the flavor suction tool 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in various ways. Further, the control unit 106 generates usage information of the flavor suction tool 100 and transmits it to the user terminal 200. The flavor suction tool 100 and the user terminal 200 are associated with each other, and data can be sent and received between them by performing short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication. It becomes possible. Note that the transmission and reception of data between the flavor suction tool 100 and the user terminal 200 is not limited to BLE communication, but may also be performed using wireless LAN (Local Area Network), LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), or NFC (Near Field Communication), for example. Any type of communication may be used. Furthermore, the transmission and reception of data between the flavor suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 is not necessarily limited to wireless communication, but may be wired communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Mini USB, Micro USB, Lightning, or the like. The usage information may include the type of flavor suction tool 100, the type of flavor, the number of puffs, position information, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the general appearance of the flavor suction tool. FIG. 6 is an example of a schematic appearance of a flavor suction tool holding an aerosol-generating base material.
In this embodiment, the flavor inhaler 100 generates a flavor-containing aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a smoking article, that has a flavor-generating substrate, such as an aerosol source and a flavor source-containing filler. configured to generate. Note that smoking article 140 may be used as an aerosol-generating substrate.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, smoking article 140 is only one example of an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol source contained in the aerosol-generating substrate may be solid or liquid. The aerosol source may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may include tobacco raw materials or extracts derived from tobacco raw materials that release flavor components when heated. If the flavor inhaler 100 is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug for inhalation by the patient. Depending on the application, the aerosol-generating substrate may be free of flavor sources.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flavor suction tool 100 includes a top housing 131A, a bottom housing 131B, a cover 132, a switch 133, and a lid part 134. The top housing 131A and the bottom housing 131B constitute the outermost housing 131 of the flavor suction tool 100 by being connected to each other. Housing 131 may be sized to fit in a user's hand. In this case, when the user uses the flavor suction device 100, the user can hold the flavor suction device 100 in his/her hand and suction the aerosol.

Top housing 131A has an opening (not shown), and cover 132 is coupled to top housing 131A to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover 132 has an opening 132B into which a smoking article 140 can be inserted. The lid portion 134 is configured to open and close the opening 132B of the cover 132. Specifically, the lid part 134 is attached to the cover 132 and is configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 132 between a first position where the opening 132B is closed and a second position where the opening 132B is opened. .

The switch 133 is used to turn on and off the operation of the flavor suction tool 100. For example, the user operates the switch 133 with the smoking article 140 inserted into the opening 132B as shown in FIG. 6, thereby supplying power from the battery (not shown) to the heating section (not shown). , the smoking article 140 can be heated without burning. When the smoking article 140 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the smoking article 140 and the flavor of the flavor source is incorporated into the aerosol. The user can inhale the flavor-containing aerosol by inhaling the portion of the smoking article 140 that protrudes from the flavor inhaler 100 (the portion illustrated in FIG. 6). Note that in this specification, the direction in which the aerosol-generating substrate such as the smoking article 140 is inserted into the opening 132B is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the flavor inhaler 100.

The configuration of the flavor suction tool 100 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is only one example of the configuration of the flavor suction device according to the present disclosure. The flavor inhalation device according to the present disclosure can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substrate containing an aerosol source, and can be in various forms such that the generated aerosol can be inhaled by a user. Can be configured.

《Operation of flavor suction tool》
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the flavor suction tool according to the first embodiment.
When the user starts a suction operation (puff) from the mouthpiece 122, pressure is generated inside the flavor suction tool 100, and the pressure is detected by the sensor 112. When the sensor 112 detects a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value (step S1), the battery 110 starts supplying power to the control unit 106 (step S2). When the control unit 106 starts supplying power, the battery 110 starts supplying power to the heater of the atomizing unit 118 (step S3). This causes the heater to heat the aerosol source in the atomization section 118. Further, the control unit 106 transmits usage information of the flavor suction tool 100 to the user terminal 200 (step S4).

The control unit 106 determines whether the pressure detected by the sensor 112 has become less than a predetermined value (step S5). When the pressure detected by the sensor 112 is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (step S5: NO), power supply to the heater is continued. On the other hand, when the pressure detected by the sensor 112 becomes less than the predetermined value (step S5: YES), the control unit 106 causes the battery 110 to stop supplying power to the heater (step S6).

The control unit 106 determines whether the transmission of the usage information in step S4 has been completed (step S7). If the transmission of usage information is not completed (step S7: NO), power supply to the control unit 106 is continued. On the other hand, if the transmission of usage information has been completed (step S7: YES), the control unit 106 causes the battery 110 to stop supplying power to the control unit 106 (step S8). That is, the control unit 106 stops supplying power to the control unit 106 at the later timing of the timing when the sensor 112 becomes less than a predetermined pressure or the timing when the transmission of usage information is completed.
In this way, the control unit 106 according to the first embodiment transmits usage information to the user terminal 200 every time the user performs a suction (puff) operation. That is, the usage information includes suction information (puff data) that is emitted every time the flavor suction tool 100 performs a suction (puff) operation.

《User terminal》
The user terminal 200 is a terminal having a communication function, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal 200 has, for example, a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC, and a wireless communication function via a wide area communication network such as the Internet. For example, the user terminal 200 and the flavor suction tool 100 communicate using short-range wireless communication, and the user terminal 200 and the communication server 300 communicate using a wireless communication function via a wide area communication network. Note that the transmission and reception of data between the user terminal 200 and the flavor suction tool 100 is not limited to short-range wireless communication, and may be wireless communication such as wireless LAN or LPWAN. Further, the user terminal 200 may have a wired communication function such as USB, may communicate with the flavor suction tool 100 via the wired communication function, or may communicate with the communication server 300 via the wired communication function. You may communicate.

As described above, the user terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but is not limited to these, and may include a computer (for example, a desktop, a laptop, etc.), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or a wristwatch type terminal device. , a glasses-type terminal device, or other types of computers. Further, the user terminal 200 may be a smart speaker (AI speaker; "AI" is an abbreviation for "artificial intelligence") or a head mounted display (HMD). Note that the user terminal 200 is not limited to these examples.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal according to the first embodiment.
The user terminal 200 includes a display section 201, a communication section 202, a memory 203, a storage section 204, an information processing section 205, and an operation section 206. Note that each component is electrically connected to each other by bus lines such as an address bus and a data bus.

The display unit 201 is a means for displaying various display information. The display unit 201 is, for example, a display, but it may be of any type as long as it can display various types of display information. The display unit 201 displays the virtual space V based on display information received from the communication server 300, for example.

The communication unit 202 is realized by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 202 is configured by a wireless device that performs wireless communication using a wireless communication technology such as short-range wireless communication, wireless LAN, or LTE. Further, the communication unit 202 may be configured by a device that performs wired communication. The communication unit 202 communicates with the flavor suction tool 100 via, for example, short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 202 transmits usage information indicating that the user has used the flavor suction tool 100 to the user terminal 200, for example, via near field communication. Further, the communication unit 202 communicates with the communication server 300 via, for example, wireless communication. The communication unit 202 transmits the received usage information, messages, etc. to the communication server 300 via wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication unit 202 receives display information from the communication server 300 via wireless communication.

The memory 203 is configured with a RAM such as a volatile memory using a semiconductor element, and is used as a work memory of the information processing unit 205. The memory 203 is configured by, for example, a flash memory. Note that the memory 203 may be a part of the storage unit 204.

The storage unit 204 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a hybrid storage device that is a combination of two or more of these. The storage unit 204 stores, for example, a program 207 executed by the information processing unit 205, an application 208, and the like.

The program 207 is, for example, an operating system, and is located between users and application programs and hardware, and provides a standard interface to users and application programs, while at the same time ensuring efficiency for each resource such as hardware. management.

The application 208 is an application program for communicating with other users via the virtual space V. The user terminal 200 receives usage information from the flavor suction tool 100 by executing the application program, and transmits the usage information to the communication server 300. Furthermore, the user can display the virtual space V based on the display information received from the communication server 300. Furthermore, by operating the user terminal 200, the user can send a message to the communication server 300 for communication with other users. Note that the user terminal 200 may realize these functions using PWA (Progressive Web Apps) instead of a native application program.

All or part of the information processing unit 205 is a functional unit (hereinafter referred to as software) that is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program 207 and an application 208 stored in the storage unit 204. (referred to as the functional section). Note that all or part of the information processing unit 205 may be realized by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). It may also be realized by a combination of parts and hardware.

The information processing unit 205 executes a process of transferring the usage information received from the flavor suction tool 100 to the communication server 300 via the communication unit 202. Furthermore, the information processing unit 205 executes processing for displaying display information received from the communication server 300 on the display unit 201. Furthermore, the information processing unit 205 executes a process of displaying a message input by the user using the operation unit 206 on the communication server 300 via the communication unit 202.

The operation unit 206 is configured with, for example, a touch panel, detects a touch operation on the screen displayed on the display unit 201, and outputs a detection result of the touch operation to the information processing unit 205.

≪Display mode of user terminal≫
FIG. 9 is an example of a display mode displayed on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200 according to the first embodiment.
A virtual space V is displayed on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200. For example, a virtual three-dimensional space imitating a smoking area is displayed on the display unit 201.
Furthermore, the user's avatar V1 is displayed on the display unit 201 within the virtual space V. The avatar V1 is an avatar of the user of the user terminal 200 assigned to the virtual space V. The avatar V1 is displayed as, for example, an object imitating a person. Note that the avatar V1 is not limited to an object imitating a person, and may be displayed as any object such as an object of a fictional character.
Furthermore, the avatar V1 may be able to move in at least one area within the virtual space V. In this case, the area in which the avatar V1 moves may be a predetermined area for each virtual space V, or may be the entire virtual space V.
Further, communication information, which is an object indicating the message V2, is displayed (arranged) in the virtual space V on the display unit 201. In addition, below, it may be expressed as displaying a message to mean displaying communication information, which is an object indicating message V2.

In the example of FIG. 9, message V2 is displayed around avatar V1. The message V2 is displayed, for example, around the avatar V1 corresponding to the user who sent the message V2. The message V2 may be displayed in the form of a speech bubble, for example, or simply as a text message. Note that when the avatar V1 moves within the virtual space V, the message V2 may move within the virtual space V together with the moving avatar V1.
Further, the message V2 does not necessarily need to be displayed within the virtual space V, and may be displayed in a different area from the virtual space V on the display unit 201 of the user terminal 200. In this case, the message V2 may be displayed in a chronological order or in a chat format, for example. Further, the message V2 may be output as a voice message or may be output in other formats or modes.
Furthermore, a message input section M is displayed on the display section 201. The message input section M includes a plurality of icons through which the user of the user terminal 200 can input messages, an area for displaying the input messages, and the like. Note that the message input section M may take any form as long as the user can input a message. Furthermore, the message is not limited to manual input, and may be voice input.

《Communication server》
The communication server 300 allocates the virtual space V to the user terminal 200 based on the usage information of the flavor suction tool 100 received from the user terminal 200. Furthermore, the communication server 300 transmits display information (video, images, etc.) of the virtual space V to the user terminal 200. Furthermore, the communication server 300 places the user's avatar V1 in the virtual space V. Avatar V1 is associated with a user. Note that the avatar V1 may be associated with the user terminal 200 of the user. Furthermore, the communication server 300 transmits display information for displaying the message received from the user terminal 200 to the user terminal 200 assigned to the virtual space V.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the communication server according to the first embodiment.
The communication server 300 includes a virtual space storage section 301, a user information storage section 302, a communication section 303, a specification section 304, an allocation section 305, a placement section 306, a message reception section 307, and a distribution section 308.

The virtual space storage unit 301 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a hybrid storage device that combines multiple of these. Ru.
FIG. 11 is an example of information stored in the virtual space storage unit according to the first embodiment.
The virtual space storage unit 301 associates with each of the plurality of virtual spaces V, and stores background data of the virtual space V, object data in the virtual space V and its arrangement information (position and inclination), and login information for the virtual space V. The location information of the user and their avatar V1 is stored. The background data of the virtual space V may represent, for example, a smoking area or a scenic spot. Note that the virtual space V may be a three-dimensional space or a two-dimensional space.

The user information storage unit 302 is realized by, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, or a hybrid storage device that combines multiple of these. be done.
FIG. 12 is an example of information stored in the user information storage unit according to the first embodiment.
The user information storage unit 302 receives status information (login status or logout status), identification information of the user terminal 200, model data of the avatar V1, allocated virtual space V, and finally usage information for each user. and the last usage information received.

The communication unit 303 is realized by a communication module. Specifically, the communication unit 303 is configured by a wireless device that performs wireless communication using a wireless communication technology such as a wireless LAN or LTE. Further, the communication unit 303 may be configured by a device that performs wired communication. The communication unit 303 receives usage information of the flavor suction tool 100 from the user terminal 200. The communication unit 303 records the received usage information and reception time in the user information storage unit 302.
The identifying unit 304 determines whether the user (or user terminal 200) is using the flavor suction device 100 based on the time when the last usage information of each user stored in the user information storage unit 302 was received. Specify whether or not. Specifically, the specifying unit 304 specifies, among the plurality of users, a user whose elapsed time is within a predetermined time since the last time the usage information was received as being using the flavor suction tool 100. . That is, the specifying unit 304 specifies the user terminal 200 related to the flavor suction tool 100 in use based on the received usage information. The identification unit 304 determines that the state information of the user (or user terminal 200) related to the flavor suction tool 100 in use is a logged-in state.

The allocation unit 305 allocates the newly logged-in user to one of the plurality of virtual spaces V. The allocation unit 305 determines the virtual space V to be allocated based on, for example, selection by the user, the location of the users, the number of users, or usage information. Further, the allocation unit 305 may, for example, determine the virtual space V to allocate based on random numbers (that is, randomly).
For example, when the virtual space V is provided for each region, the allocation unit 305 may determine the virtual space V to which the user is allocated based on the position information included in the usage information. In this case, the user is assigned to the same virtual space V as other users whose current location is nearby.
For example, if virtual spaces V are provided for each attribute, the allocation unit 305 may determine the virtual space V to which the user is allocated based on the attribute information included in the usage information. Examples of attributes include the user's age, gender, flavor of the flavor suction device 100, hobbies, nationality, occupation, and the like.
For example, the allocation unit 305 may allocate the user to a virtual space V that is allocated to another user (for example, a friend) associated with the user.
For example, the allocation unit 305 may allocate users to the virtual space V in which the number of users is less than the upper limit value and which has the largest number of users. Furthermore, for example, the allocation unit 305 may present a plurality of virtual spaces V to the user and may allocate the user to the virtual space selected by the user. For example, the allocation unit 305 may determine a virtual space to which a user is allocated based on a random number.

The placement unit 306 places the avatar V1 associated with each user (or each user terminal 200) in the virtual space V allocated by the allocation unit 305. The position where the avatar V1 is placed in the virtual space V may be a predetermined position or may be placed arbitrarily. Furthermore, the avatar V1 may be able to move in at least one area within the virtual space V.

Message receiving section 307 receives a message from user terminal 200. Note that the message is an example of communication information. Note that the message receiving section 307 may be realized by the communication section 303.
The distribution unit 308 distributes display information depicting the virtual space V based on the information stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 to the user terminals 200 of users assigned to each virtual space V. The distribution unit 308 also distributes the message received by the message reception unit 307 to the user terminal 200 of the user assigned to the same virtual space V as the sender (sender) of the message. The message may be distributed as an object in the virtual space V as shown in FIG. 1, or may be delivered on a chat screen separate from the virtual space V. Note that the display mode displayed on the user terminal 200 based on the display information distributed by the distribution unit 308 is, for example, the same as the display mode illustrated in FIG. 9 described above. Further, the distribution unit 308 may be realized by the communication unit 303.

《Operation of communication server》
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an example of an operation in which a virtual space is allocated to the user terminal 200, triggered by the communication server 300 receiving usage information.
The communication server 300 executes the following process at regular intervals.
The identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 determines whether usage information is received from the user terminal 200 (step S101). If usage information is received (step S101: YES), the identifying unit 304 identifies the user ID (Identification) of the source of the received usage information (step S102). The identifying unit 304 determines whether the state information associated with the user ID identified in step S102 is a logout state (step S103). If the status information indicates a logged-in status (step S103: NO), the user associated with the user ID has already logged into the virtual space V. In this case, the specifying unit 304 updates the time when the last usage information associated with the user ID specified in step S102 was received and the last received usage information (step S104).

On the other hand, if the status information indicates a logout status (step S103: YES), the user (or user terminal 200) associated with the user ID has not logged into the virtual space V yet. In this case, the allocation unit 305 allocates the user (or user terminal 200) to one of the plurality of virtual spaces V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S105).

The allocation unit 305 rewrites the state information stored by the user information storage unit 302 in association with the user ID specified in step S102 to the login state (step S106). The allocation unit 305 also adds the user ID identified in step S102 as the user (or user terminal 200) to be stored in association with the virtual space V allocated by the virtual space storage unit 301 in step S105 (step S107). ). The identifying unit 304 also updates the time when the last usage information was received and the last received usage information associated with the identification information of the user terminal 200 identified in step S102 (step S104).

When the user information storage unit 302 is updated or when usage information is not received (step S101: NO), the allocation unit 305 of the communication server 300 allocates one virtual space V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301. The following steps S109 to S113 are executed for all virtual spaces V (step S108).
The placement unit 306 generates display information for each virtual space V based on the information on the virtual space V selected in step S108 that is stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S109). Specifically, the placement unit 306 generates display information using the following procedure. First, the placement unit 306 places background data and objects in the virtual space V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301. The placement unit 306 reads model data of the user's avatar V1 associated with the virtual space V from the user information storage unit 302. The placement unit 306 places the avatar V1 in the virtual space V based on the read model data. Then, the placement unit 306 generates display information by rendering the virtual space V.

The identifying unit 304 identifies the user assigned to the virtual space V selected in step S108 from the virtual space storage unit 301, and identifies the user terminal 200 of the user from the user information storage unit 302 (step S110).
Next, the message receiving unit 307 determines whether a message has been received from the user terminal 200 identified in step S110 (step S111). If a message is received from the user terminal 200 identified in step S110 (step S111: YES), the placement unit 306 adds the received message to the display information (step S112). For example, the placement unit 306 places communication information V2, which is an object indicating the received message, in the display information.
When the communication information V2 is placed in the virtual space, the distribution unit 308 receives display information in which the communication information V2 is placed in the virtual space, or when it has not received a message from the user terminal 200 (step S111). :NO), the display information in which the communication information V2 is not arranged is distributed to the user terminal 200 specified in step S110 (step S113).
Thereby, display information is displayed on the user terminal 200 in which a plurality of avatars V1 including the user's avatar V1 are exchanging messages while using the flavor suction tool 100 together.

Further, the identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 refers to the user information storage unit 302 and identifies those whose elapsed time from the last time usage information was received to the current time is longer than a predetermined time (for example, one hour). (Step S114). Note that the predetermined time may be any time, such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. Further, the predetermined time may be arbitrarily settable by the user. If a predetermined period of time has passed since the last time the information was received, there is a high possibility that the user has already finished using the flavor suction tool 100. Therefore, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the state information stored by the user information storage unit 302 in association with the user specified in step S114 to a logout state (step S115). The identification unit 304 also deletes the user ID of the user identified in step S114 from the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S116).
Note that when the identifying unit 304 rewrites the state information to the logout state, it may confirm the fact with the user before rewriting the state information. For example, the specifying unit 304 may inquire of the user terminal 200 as to whether rewriting is possible, and when instructed to rewrite, may rewrite the state information to a logout state. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation where a user logs out while communicating with another user.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the communication server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is an example of an operation in which the communication server allocates a virtual space to the user terminal 200 using the login of the user terminal 200 to the communication system 1 as a trigger.

When there is a login request from the user terminal 200 to request login to the communication system 1 (step S201), the identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 specifies the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 200 that requested the login. The associated state information is rewritten to the login state (step S202). After that, the allocation unit 305 allocates the user (or user terminal 200) to one of the plurality of virtual spaces V stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S203). The allocation unit 305 also stores the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 200 that has made the login request as the user (or user terminal 200) stored in association with the virtual space V allocated by the virtual space storage unit 301 in step S203. is added (step S204).

Thereafter, the communication server 300 continues from step S206 to step S206 until it receives a logout request for requesting logout from the communication system 1 from the user terminal 200, or while it does not receive usage information for a predetermined period of time (for example, one hour). The process of S211 is repeatedly executed (step S205). Note that the predetermined time may be any time, such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. Further, the predetermined time may be arbitrarily settable by the user. If a predetermined period of time has passed since the last time the information was received, there is a high possibility that the user has already finished using the flavor suction tool 100. Therefore, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the state information that the user information storage unit 302 stores in association with the user ID in step S202 to the logout state (step S212).

The identification unit 304 of the communication server 300 determines whether usage information is received from the user terminal 200 (step S206). If usage information is received (step S206: YES), the identifying unit 304 identifies the user ID (Identification) of the source of the received usage information (step S207). After that, the placement unit 306 generates display information for the virtual space V based on the information about the virtual space V allocated in step S203, which is stored in the virtual space storage unit 301 (step S208). On the other hand, if usage information is not received (step S206: NO), the process advances to step S209.

The message receiving unit 307 determines whether a message has been received from the user terminal 200 identified in step S207 (step S209). If a message is received from the user terminal 200 (step S209: YES), the placement unit 306 adds the received message to the display information (step S210). For example, the placement unit 306 places communication information V2, which is an object indicating the received message, in the display information. On the other hand, if no message is received (step S209: NO), no message is added.

In the case where the communication information V2 is placed in the virtual space, the distribution unit 308 receives display information in which the communication information V2 is placed in the virtual space, or if the message is not received from the user terminal 200 (step S209). :NO), the display information in which the communication information V2 is not arranged is distributed to the user terminal 200 (step S211).

After that, if the communication server 300 receives a logout request for requesting logout from the communication system 1 from the user terminal 200, or if the usage information is not received for a predetermined period of time (for example, one hour), the communication server 300 moves from step S206 to step S206. The repetition of the process in S211 is completed, and the process advances to step S212. Then, the specifying unit 304 rewrites the status information stored in the user information storage unit 302 in association with the user ID to the logout status (step S212). Further, the identifying unit 304 deletes the user ID from the virtual space storage unit 301.

《Action/Effect》
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the communication server 300 allocates the virtual space V to the user terminal 200 based on the usage information of the flavor suction tool 100, and displays the display image of the virtual space V to the user. It is displayed on the terminal 200. Furthermore, the communication server 300 displays communication information, which is an object indicating a message issued by at least one of the user terminals 200, in the virtual space V. The communication server 300 also transmits such virtual space V to other user terminals 200 assigned to the virtual space V. Thereby, the communication server 300 can mediate communication between the user and other users when the user uses the flavor suction tool 100. Therefore, regardless of the user's usage environment, the communication server 300 can provide the user with the experience of using the server together with others.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the communication server 300 distributes display information related to communication information, which is an object indicating a virtual space V in which the avatar V1 related to the user is placed and a message, to the user terminal 200. . Thereby, the communication server 300 can cause the user terminal 200 to display display information representing the situation in which the user terminal 200 is using the terminal together with other users. Therefore, the communication server 300 can provide the user with a visual experience of using the flavor suction device with others.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the communication server 300 sends information to the user terminal 200 in the virtual space for which the elapsed time from the output time of usage information, which is suction (puff) information, to the current time is within a predetermined time. Assign V. Thereby, the communication server 300 can appropriately allocate the virtual space V to the user who is using the flavor suction tool 100.

Although the first embodiment has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made.
Although the communication server 300 according to the first embodiment described above places a balloon-shaped object in the virtual space V as the communication information V2, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication information V2 according to another embodiment may be arranged in a timeline format display column provided separately from the virtual space V. Furthermore, the communication information V2 according to another embodiment may be audio data.
Further, the user terminal 200 according to the first embodiment described above is a terminal such as a smartphone, but is not limited to this. For example, the user terminal 200 according to other embodiments may be a head mounted unit. In this case, the communication server 300 may generate a stereo image rendered from the user's avatar V1's perspective as the display information.
Further, in the first embodiment described above, the user of the flavor suction device 100 was described, but the communication system 1 can also be applied to a cigarette smoker wearing a mouthpiece with a communication function. According to this configuration, the mouthpiece can transmit various information such as cigarette smoking information detected by the sensor to the smoker's terminal (corresponding to the user terminal 200) and the communication server 300.

<Computer configuration>
FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment.
The computer 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, a storage 93, and an interface 94.
The above-described flavor suction device 100, user terminal 200, and communication server 300 are each installed in the computer 90. The operations of each processing section described above are stored in the storage 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads the program from the storage 93, expands it into the main memory 92, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the processor 91 reserves storage areas corresponding to each of the above-mentioned storage units in the main memory 92 according to the program. Examples of the processor 91 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and a microprocessor.

The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be performed by the computer 90. For example, the program may function in combination with other programs already stored in storage or in combination with other programs installed in other devices. Note that in other embodiments, the computer 90 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or in place of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, part or all of the functions realized by the processor 91 may be realized by the integrated circuit. Such an integrated circuit is also included as an example of a processor.

Examples of the storage 93 include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory). , semiconductor memory, etc. Storage 93 may be an internal medium connected directly to the bus of computer 90, or may be an external medium connected to computer 90 via an interface 94 or a communication line. Furthermore, when this program is distributed to the computer 90 via a communication line, the computer 90 that received the distribution may develop the program in the main memory 92 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, storage 93 is a non-transitory, tangible storage medium.

Further, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that implements the above-described functions in combination with other programs already stored in the storage 93.

Note that when the computer in FIG. 15 is, for example, a communication server 300, the communication server 300 includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory and the memory, and the instructions are a receiving step of receiving usage information transmitted by a user terminal based on the fact that the suction tool has been used; an allocation step of allocating a virtual space to the user terminal based on the received usage information; and a step of allocating a virtual space to the user terminal, and the virtual space The method includes a transmitting step of transmitting display information for displaying to the user terminal, and a distributing step of distributing the message transmitted by the user terminal to other user terminals assigned to the virtual space.

The communication server can provide the user with the experience of using the flavor suction tool with others, regardless of the user's usage environment.

1 Communication system 100 Flavor suction device 200 User terminal 201 Display section 202 Communication section 203 Memory 204 Storage section 205 Information processing section 206 Operation section 300 Communication server 301 Virtual space storage section 302 User information storage section 303 Communication section 304 Specification section 305 Allocation section 306 Arrangement section 307 Message reception section 308 Distribution section V Virtual space V1 Avatar V2 Communication information

Claims (11)

A method for controlling a user terminal associated with a flavor suction tool, the method comprising:
a sending step of sending usage information of the flavor suction tool;
a receiving step of receiving display information for displaying the virtual space allocated to the user of the flavor suction tool based on the usage information, in which objects related to the user are arranged; ,
a display step of displaying the virtual space based on the received display information;
control methods including. The object includes a character object corresponding to the user,
In the receiving step, receiving display information for displaying the virtual space in which a character object corresponding to the user is arranged;
The control method according to claim 1. In the receiving step, display information for displaying the virtual space in which objects of other characters corresponding to other users assigned to the virtual space are arranged together with the object of the character corresponding to the user. receive,
The control method according to claim 2. The object includes a message sent by a user terminal of the user,
In the receiving step, receiving display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object of the message transmitted by the user terminal of the user is arranged;
The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the receiving step, displaying the virtual space in which objects of messages sent by user terminals of other users assigned to the virtual space are arranged together with objects of messages sent by user terminals of the users. receive display information for;
The control method according to claim 4. The object includes a character object corresponding to the user, and a message sent by a user terminal of the user,
In the receiving step, receiving display information for displaying the virtual space in which the object of the message sent by the user terminal of the user is placed around the object of the character corresponding to the user;
The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The usage information includes location information of the user of the flavor suction tool,
In the receiving step, displaying a virtual space that is allocated to the user based on the location information and that includes predetermined information related to another user whose current location is close to the user. receive display information for;
The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The usage information includes attribute information of the flavor suction tool or the user of the flavor suction tool,
In the receiving step, a virtual space is assigned to the user from among a plurality of virtual spaces provided for each attribute based on the attribute information, and is related to other users assigned to the virtual space. receiving display information for displaying the virtual space including predetermined information to
The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. In the sending step, based on receiving the suction information from the flavor suction tool, transmitting the usage information including the reception time of the suction information;
In the receiving step, receiving display information for displaying the virtual space allocated to the user when the elapsed time from the reception time of the suction information to the current time is within a predetermined time;
The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. to the computer of the user terminal associated with the flavor suction device,
a sending step of sending usage information of the flavor suction tool;
a receiving step of receiving display information for displaying the virtual space allocated to the user of the flavor suction tool based on the usage information, in which objects related to the user are arranged; ,
a display step of displaying the virtual space based on the received display information;
A program to run. A user terminal associated with a flavor suction device,
a transmitter that transmits usage information of the flavor suction tool;
a receiving unit that receives display information for displaying the virtual space allocated to the user of the flavor suction tool based on the usage information, in which objects related to the user are arranged; ,
a display unit that displays the virtual space based on the received display information;
A user terminal comprising: